Bali is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South East Asia. In 2009 alone, Bali has recorded an approximate of 2.3 million tourists. It has obviously grown by leaps and bounds this year especially after the world economy seems to have stabilized slightly post the meltdown in late 2008 and 2009. These tourists mostly come from nearby Australia, Japan, China and also from some European countries like France, Germany, Russia and the United Kingdom. Bali is emerging as the tourist destination of choice for the rising middle classes in India, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and North Korea. So you see, with such a melange of tourists stepping in to this island nation, it is but obvious that Bali would have accommodation choices catered to a wide variety of tastes, needs and pockets! The most popular spots for booking hotels in Bali are Kuta and Sanur. These two places would offer tourists the choice of grand and opulent hotels to quaint beach side huts. Ubud, on the other hand, is typically for those who would like to savor Balinese culture. The lodges there conform to Balinese architecture and those seeking to soak the nuances of the local culture should aim to put up there. Nusa Dua district boasts of modern five star resorts that are typically for those with a little larger budget. As far as the area is concerned, most tourists gravitate towards the southern parts of Bali but the north too is becoming popular quickly. Places like Lovina Beach in North Bali makes for a quiet getaway as it is less congested. Since the northern side is less popular and more secluded, accommodation here is much cheaper that the south and of course, less commercialized. Lovina Beach is a popular snorkelling destination apart from watching dolphins, scuba diving and watching waterfalls. Getting there and enjoying its pristine tropical beauty is also quite easy on the pocket. It is imperative for those travelling to Bali to book their rooms well in advance as hotels get filled up quickly even in the off season. Hotels of your choice can be booked over the Internet but it is a must that you check the authenticity of the information provided on the websites. The hotel in question must have a valid customer care of help desk. Check to see if the hotel has laundry service. Bali, having tropical weather, may see unexpected showers sometimes. Plus European travellers may not always be comfortable with the humid weather so a laundry service in the accommodation is a must. Check with your hotel staff or the front desk for any special events happening in Bali during your tenure of stay. Attending those events is a good way to see Balinese culture from up close. Though, because of the inflow for Western tourists, Bali has adopted a lot of foreign culture, there are some things that are still distinctly local. For instance, temple celebrations of the full moon, Bali Arts festival etc make for interesting backdrops to study Balinese culture.
